Manager uncertainty never an issue as one time Brentford target Barry Bannan pens new deal at Sheffield Wednesday
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The Scotland international, who has 241 Wednesday appearances since his Hillsborough arrival in 2015, took over the captaincy from his long-term teammate Tom Lees ahead of this season, commenting on the honour of wearing the armband for a club he has grown to love.
A new two-year deal will take him to the summer of 2023. He is one of a handful of players the Owls are hoping to nail down in the coming weeks, with senior players Lees and Adam Reach also in negotiations.
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Hide AdBannan’s current deal was set to expire following the conclusion of the 2020/21 campaign but the popular midfield man has committed his future to Wednesday.
He was reportedly of interest to Championship high-flyers Brentford in January but has time and again reiterated his desire to stay loyal to the club, distancing himself from the notion of any move away.
Speaking last month, the midfield maestro said: “I’ve made it clear where I want to be, but obviously it’s difficult with the chairman not being in the country at the moment because of COVID. It’s hard to get things done and over the line though, so hopefully in a few weeks’ time it’s all put to bed and we can concentrate on getting results.”
Uncertainty over the long-term future of the club’s manager was never a concern for Bannan, who has paid tribute to the methods of caretaker manager Neil Thompson.
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Hide AdHe told The Star, “I’m not really bothered to be honest… If Thommo stays or if somebody else comes in, then I’ll back myself to play every week if I’m fit. So that shouldn’t change.
“If a new manager comes in then hopefully I can prove that I’m still a big player for this club. So no, it’s not really played a big part in my decision.”
The Aston Villa youth product, who has been a talisman throughout his time at the club, will be hoping to celebrate the news with a vital win over Birmingham this weekend.